Skip to content 
How to get to Jardin from Medellin (2024)
Introduction
Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of southwest Colombia, Jardín is a jewel waiting to be discovered by intrepid travelers seeking an authentic Colombian experience. With its vibrant coffee culture, colonial charm, and picturesque setting, Jardín has become an increasingly popular destination. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the essence of Jardín, explore the cultural nuances of the coffee region, and provide an extensive overview of the various transportation options available for making the journey from Medellín to this enchanting town.
Discovering Jardín
The Lure of Jardín
Jardín is more than just a destination; it’s an immersive experience that captivates visitors with its lush greenery, rolling hills, and warm hospitality. The town’s cobblestone streets, adorned with colorful houses and flower-filled balconies, create a postcard-perfect setting. As you explore Jardín’s town square, the heart of the community, you’ll encounter locals engaging in lively conversations, traditional markets, and the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, a stunning architectural gem.
The Coffee Culture
Jardín sits at the epicenter of Colombia’s coffee region, offering a unique opportunity to delve into the country’s rich coffee culture. The town is surrounded by coffee farms where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee permeates the air. Visitors can engage in guided tours of these farms, gaining insight into the intricate process of coffee production—from bean cultivation to the art of roasting.
Getting to Jardín: Your Transportation Options
1. Public Transport:
Firstly, is it safe to take buses in Colombia? This is one of the most frequently asked questions we receive from travelers, and our answer is a lawyerly one: it depends! We mean, comparing Colombia’s public transport with some African countries, it’s probably a well-organized and safe system. However, if you are used to U.S. or European public transport, Colombian transport may seem quite chaotic.
In particular, Antioquia is a mountainous region, and despite the huge efforts of the latest governments, curvy and bumpy roads are the norm. It’s true we have some of the most dangerous roads in Colombia, with huge cliffs and rivers crossing them, but the Medellin – Jardin route is not one of them.
The distance is about 100km from Medellin to Jardin town, a journey that could take from 2.5 to 4 hours depending on traffic and time of day. On weekends and holidays, this route gets busy.
1.2 Companies Offering the Service:
Currently, RAPIDO OCHOA is the most reliable company offering this service. They usually have relatively comfortable buses and are punctual with transfers. However, in the opinion of many travelers, they tend to drive at dangerous speeds, and some drivers take risks such as overtaking trucks in prohibited areas.
1.3 Ticket Price:
One-way tickets cost approximately $10 to $15 USD depending on the time of day and day of the week.
1.4 Departure Points:
You should head to the Terminal de Transportes del Sur. Keep in mind that the staff at this terminal rarely speak English, so have all your information translated to avoid ending up in a different town. These buses will take you directly to the municipality of Jardin, although sometimes they make short stops for restroom breaks and snacks in the municipality of La Pintada (halfway through the journey).
South Busses Terminal Map
Rapido Ochoa Buses Company
2. Private Transport:
A more comfortable, safe, and personalized option is to hire a private transportation service. With this option, you can be picked up either from your hotel or from Medellin Airport (Rionegro) and taken directly to your hotel in Jardin. The downside of this option is that companies offering this service operate on demand and only depart when all seats in the car are filled. However, at Medellin Real Adventure, we offer a personalized service where even a single passenger can travel to Jardin starting from $40 per person, with bilingual support and new and comfortable vehicles.
Our comfortable vehicles
3. Visit Jardin on a Daytrip:
One common scenario is that travelers arrive with their hotel already booked in Medellin, which makes it difficult for them to move around and stay in Jardin. That’s why at Medellin Real Adventure, we offer a Daytrip plan starting early from Medellin (from your hotel), exploring Jardin and its coffee plantations during the day, and returning in the afternoon to Medellín.
4. (Bonus):
Book a daytrip with us and stay in Jardin. This way, you’ll save money on the trip and, in addition, learn about the history of Colombian coffee, become a coffee expert, and then stay overnight in Jardin for a more immersive experience in the area.
